- Font Size:
- Default font size
- Larger font size
BY AZURE COLLIER
Times Staff Writer | Tuesday, September 30, 2003 | (No comments posted.)
VALPARAISO -- A governing body of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has released its findings in an appeal of the case against Valparaiso University President Alan Harre and four clergymen involved in a Sept. 11, 2002, interfaith service.
The Praesidium -- which includes the LCMS national president, and the first through the fifth vice presidents -- has determined the service "was indeed worship of a unionistic and syncretistic nature," according to a letter released to complainants Thursday. Members noted Harre and the clergymen "expressed sincere repentance," both verbally and in writing.
"The Praesidium considers this matter to be concluded and can now report that those, who provided a setting within which blasphemy was uttered and syncretistic worship occurred, have repented of their wrong," the letter said.
One of the complainants, the Rev. Frederick Davison of Kokomo, said he is satisfied with the Praesidium's findings.
"I'm very pleased that the church body decided to uphold our longstanding position on worship and fellowship. I'm pleased they've spoken unwaveringly. I'm also very pleased that the Praesidium reported to us that our brothers in the Valparaiso area are penitent They're sorry about what they've done and we're very pleased about that. That's all our goal ever was," said Davison, of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
In addition to Davison, complaints were filed by pastors Herman Otten, of the Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, Conn.; Jack Kozak, of Hope Lutheran Church in Akron, Ohio; Theodore Staudacher of Lake Leelanau, Mich.; Paul Barz, of Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church in Eagan, Minn; Ted Crandall of Parris Island, S.C.; Jeffery Grams, of St. John Lutheran Church in Scottsbluff, Neb.; Richard Kreitenstein, of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Tupelo, Miss.; Timothy May, of St. Stephen Lutheran Church of Milwaukee; Peter Mills, of Grace Lutheran Church in Akron, Ohio; and Martin Moehring, of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Decatur, Ind.
Harre, VU Pastor Joseph Cunningham, VU Assistant Pastor Jim Wetzstein, formerly of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gary, and Donald Williams and Steve Bomgard, pastors at Valparaiso Immanuel Lutheran, had been under scrutiny for their role in the service. The event, titled, "A Community Gathering for Remembrance, Repentance and Renewal," included prayer and participation from Lutherans, Jews and Muslims.
Missouri Synod laws prohibit Lutherans from worshipping with non-Synod Christian clergy or parishioners, or non-Christians.
Eleven complainants accused Harre and the clergymen of syncretism -- the inappropriate combination of Christian and non-Christian religious views. In January, the Synod, which has the power to remove the pastors' and Harre's religious titles, found elements of syncretism to be present at the service. The Rev. Timothy Sims, president of the Indiana District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, cleared the five of charges against them and encouraged those involved to ask for forgiveness.
All sides agree they can move forward and concentrate on the mission of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
"They want to move forward and put this experience behind us and move on, serving the students and community with whom they come in contact," said Reggie Syrcle, executive director of university relations, on behalf of Harre and Cunningham.
Davison said this incident reinforces the LCMS position on public worship. The LCMS has dealt with inner turmoil over the VU service, and other interfaith services, including one event in New York City days after the terrorist attacks that involved the Rev. David Benke, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Atlantic District.
"I think one of the things we as pastors learned from the decision is the scriptures mean something. We believe them. They don't say anything different than what we've always said," Davison said. "What this does is upholds the position of the church body that our position on public worship and fellowship hasn't changed."
Azure Collier can be reached at acollier@nwitimes.com or (219) 462-5151, Ext. 353.
Back to story No comments posted.
- It wasn't clear, concise or focused on the topic in the story.
- It was a personal attack, vulgar, explicit or degrading, used actual or implied profanity or contained potentially libelous statements.
- It accused someone of being guilty of a crime.
- It promoted violence or illegal acts.
- It contained telephone numbers or street addresses, or e-mail addresses and links to Web sites other than nwi.com or government agencies.
In no way do these comments represent the views of The Times or Lee Enterprises.
Passionate views, pointed criticism and critical thinking are welcome. Name-calling, crude and profane language and personal abuse are not welcome.
Reader comments will not be edited - they will be approved or declined. They may be used in the print edition of the newspaper.
If you feel a posted comment has violated these guidelines, please email our New Media team the commenter's name, the comment and a link to the article.
For more information please read our Terms of Service.